Gila Monster

The Gila monster is a species of venomous lizard native to the Southwestern United States and the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. It is a heavy, typically slow-moving reptile, up to 56 centimetres/22 inches long, and is the only venomous lizard native to the United States. They are diurnal, but most active in the morning. Gila monsters spend most of their lives hidden below the ground. Most of their aboveground activity occurs in three months in the spring. They normally live 20 or more years in human care, though the record is 36 years. Although the bite is rarely life-threatening, symptoms from a Gila monster bite may include swelling, intense burning pain, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, rapid heart rate, and/or low blood pressure. Preventing a bite is usually possible. The Gila Monster is a stout-bodied lizard that grows 18 to 22.5 inches in length. They can weigh 3-5 lbs. A component of Gila monster venom (Exendin-4) has been approved by the FDA to be used in a new drug called Byetta which helps in the treatment of type-2 diabetes. Though the Gila monster is shy, and you should consider yourself lucky if you see one in the desert, there is certainly reason to be careful in its presence. Its bite is extremely painful, though very rarely fatal.

Conservation status: Near Threatened (Population decreasing)

Scientific name: Heloderma suspectum

Size: about 22 inches

Family: Helodermatidae

Kingdom: Animalia

Order: Squamata

Phylum: Chordata